THE ONSLAUGHT - I

Few know of the history of the Mountain Clans. Living on a high mountain at the edge of the world, they prospered unaffected by the events of a fall. When Loremaster Memnor's revelation invaded him by Brunhild the Valkyrie in a dream were brought to the High Council, there could be not doubt: Ragnarok was at end. The vision of the Seeress, an eddic poem had foretold many centuries before. Too content of their relative peace, the Clans forgot the warnings of the impeding doom and the means to protect themselves in the process. Only the runes could prevent the upcoming tragedy but their ancient rune wisdom waded away with the passing of the centuries. In a war council, a decision for launching an expedition to seek the advice from the Well of Fate was taken.

But as the Council discussed who will be in charge of the task, the roaring sound of a horn blast, enemies were approaching. The realm is under attack. The Forces of the Damned, lead by the fire giant Surter, were attacking the Mountain Clans. Before an expedition could be sent, a land had to be secured.

THE WELL OF FATE - II

The initial tide of evil had been stopped, but destiny could not be eluded. The unstoppable process had begun. Soon the world would be aflame and the only thing that the Clans could do would be to seek help from their gods.

A small band of Dwarven heroes were given the arduous task of seeking advice from the Well of Fate guarded by the Norms. A lore master apprised them that its enchanted Uru liquid metal would tell them the means to protect their clans. He told them that the Well of Fate was guarded in a city far north west of Timnor, isolated in the northern sea. The city would have to be taken by forces.

HELA'S ABODE - III

The few that sought advice of the Well of Fate finally found it. But their quest was not yet finished. For the second verse of the Seeresss poem realized itself: the high king Stunmir had been killed.

The Mountains Clans had to pass the gate of Niflheim, Hela's abode, by destroying its guardian.

RETRIEVED WISDOM - IV

The primordial beast lay dead on the ground, its evil blood gushing out from its wounds. Behind it, the Gates of Niflheim were firmly closed, runic carvings inscribed on them, warning of the danger they protect.

To the questioning of the party, the Well of Fate answered: "In the hands of Hela, you will find your sanctuary, sons of Wotan. In the realms of the dead, the Runes of Wisdom you will seek to spare your kingdom. Guardians must be defeated to pass through the gate. Do not waste time, as at this moment, Hela's horde is seeking to seal its entrance."

The Clans had established their camp beyond the dirty lake. Ahead layed the realm of Hela, known as Niflheim, the dark dwelling, the abode of the dead. Odds were against them, but to balance the faith decided by the Norms, both lands sent to the realm their aid. Four of the bravest Dwarven heroes would die honorably in the mist of battle.

The runes of wisdom awaited them, guarded by the black mistress herself in her ruined tower. The Clans knew that she will not impart freely of her ancient knowledge and the tower will have to be taken by force.

THE END

With the malevolent dark mistress Hela fatally wounded, the Dwarves proceeded through the fetid stench of the tower's subterraneous maze until they reached the sacred chamber were the rune knowledge had been confined for centuries.

The Mountain Clans had finally completed their guest. With the Runes of Wisdom back in their hands, the Mountain Clans will now be able to withstand the fury of Ragnarok.

But the telling of this battle is for an another time...